Posts: 9

Topic: New CT scan for John

We got the results of Johns Ct scan today. There has not been any change in the size of the tumors but they think that the tumors that shrunk before have filled in the space with either necrotic tissue or bile. The only way to be sure is to take a biopsy and those are really dangerous cosidering the chance of infection and bleeding.

The Dr. has decided to give John 2 months off of the Chemo he's on now.If something happens within those 2 months she will try another type of chemo. He just keeps losing weight. In 28 days he lost 10 lbs, in the last week he's lost another 3 lbs. She said the chemo is really beating him down.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whats going on? Any idea of specific blood tests that will give us a better idea if the cancer has returned?Both the Dr. and I are stumped.

Re: New CT scan for John

Hi Charlene ... Glad to hear no change in size of tumors. Just for the record I have lost weight in the last month. Personally I feel my weight lost is due to a combination of things.... 1st the chemo wears you out for sure, 2nd it is normal to drop about 5 lbs during the summer months and I've been out side sweating up a storm a few times. 3rd lack of exercise my metabolism drops and I keep catching myself not eating as much. I've notice I've noticed when I stay fairly busy my energery goes up and I'll eat more. I sneak out to subway a get a loaded meat combo with extra mayo. Also I found it very important not to take more than 1hour nap sometimes shorter as sleeping a good 8 hours at night is when your body really recouperates. I also believe in all the the light possible during the day, not direct sunlight though. If you stay in gloomy dark rooms that seasonal depression disorder can reduce weight in my opinion. I have to open all the blinds and have my mind working listening to the radio or on the computer. Exercise so important or your muscle tissuse will waste away and that is hard to get back especially doing chemo and taking pain meds. I guess I constantly sike myself up to motivate and eat. Beging of May I was 182 and today I'm 172. With this extra week off chemo and going to Maine to see my Mom. I plan on eating all my favorite foods especially Italian sandwiches Maine style with all the vegtable oil dripping out of them. It will be interesting to see my weight when I return after one week. I have noticed that I no longer desire steak on the grill. It's know chicken or pork ribs fat and all. I also for lunch have a couple peanut butter,banana,and sugar free strawberry jam sandwiches..protien ,potassium and fruit all rolled into one. If I drop below 170 then I'm going to worry. I was 170 when I got married 31 years ago. That is what I seewhen looking in the mirror now. My max weight was 216 lbs. before all the chemo started just over three years ago. Also muscles rubs with aloe and cucumber every night befor going to bed. Just my thoughts but like I said If Idrop below my high school weight, It will be time to stop chemo and go on a 100% fatten me up diet. For me it is a major sike my mind up game to fight off the other crap. Don't know if this helped bit but I'm going to keep eating my greasy KFC and plenty of potatoes and gravy. Also poached eggs on toast 2 slices of toast loaded with margerine and 4-5 poached eggs depending onhow many I break. the fill in with bile I have not experienced. Oh one last think is being on lasix because of to much water retention I think contributes to lost weight for me. I find it hard to keep fluid going in. But I know I am because of peeing all the time...I don't think it's possible to get a good balace there most of the time and it causes weight fluxuation.Good Bless you Both,Jeff G.

Re: New CT scan for John

Hi again Charlene, I just spent 3 hours researching several sites about maitaining weight and rebuilding weight. Basically everything I mentioned in the last post is pretty much right on. That includes my peanut butter , and egg theory, Excercise, Muscle toning and massage,Chemo treatment is side effects we all know of. anxiety/depression and environmental conditions that cause it. So I'd suggest everything I mentioned in previous post. Just start searching cancer nutrition or weight control and you'll see High protien ,fatty food, dairy products... How I love my homemade banans splits and loaded pizzas and pasta of all types. I reviewed over 16 different sites and come up with the same. Taking a break from chemo is a excellent Idea. I mentioned that in another post that sometimes I feel doctors push to much to fast and we abide with decsion because of fear. Primarily worry of growth of tumors. I keep going back to my first oncologist of which I took his advice . If it is going to work now it will work then and by then there may be something that works better. Thats why as soonas I know within 3-4 treatments it is not doing any good I move on and try something else. I've had some good responses some pretty bad responses and still looking for the even better. You know a thought just run through my head that lost of some weight is actually healthy if you know what I mean (for some not all) If I did a body /fat measurement according to my hieght, I would probally be right on the reccommended healthy wieght. I know we are all different with different circumstance , I'm just a caring guy who wants to throw out whatever could possibally work for some one and improve their well-being. God Bless You GuysJeff G,

Re: New CT scan for John

Well we were told by the oncologist that there will be no further treatments.She feels that the quality of life is more important than the quantity and that Johns tumors are not being helped by chemo. he is having horrible pain with the chemo, his bili is rising and he's losing weight like water over a waterfall.He's wasting away before my eyes.I don't know what else to say.Charlene

Re: New CT scan for John

Charlene,please, remember that you and John are in the hearts of many. Has any medication helped to control his pain? I so much wish for him not to be suffering. You are an amazing person with an enormous amount of strenghts. Thinking of you and sending tons of hugsMarions

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